McPhee: Capitals ‘might’ have coach in place by next week

PITTSBURGH — The wait may the hardest part for Washington Capitals fans, but not for general manager George McPhee as he goes through the process of finding the next coach. He’s been patient since Dale Hunter confirmed he wasn’t coming back.

But the search seems close to being over. McPhee said Friday night he’s done interviewing candidates and now it’s deliberation time.

“We might be able to wrap it up this week,” McPhee said Saturday as the NHL draft concluded at Consol Energy Center. “And if we do, that’d be nice. I can’t promise anything.”

Getting this vital piece of the offseason in place by the start of free agency July 1 could be valuable. It appears the Caps are down to three possibilities: ex-Chicago Blackhawks assistant Mike Haviland, New Jersey Devils assistant Adam Oates and Norfolk Admirals coach John Cooper.

“I might be leaning one way, but we’ll see,” said McPhee, who predictably has not discussed names throughout this process. “I’ve got a few more questions to ask next week, not of these people but of people who know them.”

It’s been an exhaustive process that has included McPhee interviewing at least seven candidates, including ex-assistant Dean Evason.

“They’re really good candidates,” McPhee said. “The hard part is picking the best one or the best fit because they’re all terrific. I’ve really enjoyed meeting these people and spending time with them.”

Semin ‘most likely’ going to July 1

The chance of Alexander Semin returning to the Caps hasn’t been high for a long time, and all signs have been pointing to his departure as an unrestricted free agent.

That still seems to be the case just over a week out. Semin’s agent, Mark Gandler, wrote in an email response that his client “most likely” will test the market.